Hope you all have had a nice, safe and enjoyable 4th of July. We sure did!

This issue we have an article that talks about the use of mosquito repellent and how it can be hazardous to our health. When we were watching the fireworks outside many people were spraying various repellents on to keep the mosquitoes away. In the article below there is now some caution about using DEET containing repellents, especially with our kids. Please consider the information and do your own research and determine if DEET is still a viable option for your loved ones.

We appreciate your kind words and encouraging emails. We are glad to provide this natural health resource and all of our other resources too. We hope you will continue to tell your family and friends about all of our resources. After all, that is how we grow!

Overeating or feeling hungry shortly after eating can be a threat to those who are trying to lose weight. Stixated is designed to help the body feel satisfied after eating less, and curb hunger between meals.

There were Congressional hearings when Aspartame was included in 100 different products and strong objection was made concerning its use. Since that hearing, there have been two more and still nothing has been done.

Monsanto, the creator of this chemical sweetener knows its dangers. Recently exposed in the New York Times, was Monsanto's funding of the American Diabetes Association, the American Dietetic Association and the Conference of the American College of Physicians. The drug and chemical companies have very deep pockets. Monsanto's patent on Aspartame has expired. There are now over 5,000 products on the market that contain this chemical.

When the temperature of this sweetener exceeds 86 degrees in process or use, the wood alcohol in it converts to formaldehyde and then to formic acid (the poison in fire ants), which in turn causes metabolicacidosis. The methanol toxicity mimics, among other conditions, MS and systemic lupus. Systemic lupus has become almost rampant as MS, especially among Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi drinkers.

Aspartame passes the blood/brain barrier and it then deteriorates the neurons of the brain, causing various levels of brain damage, seizures, depression, manic depression, panic attacks, uncontrollable anger and rage.

Documentation and observation also reveal that thousands of children diagnosed with ADD and ADHD have had complete turn-arounds in their behavior when these chemicals have been removed from their diet. Children are especially at risk for neurological disorders and should never be given artificial sweeteners.

Aspartame is dangerous for diabetics since it drives the blood sugar out of control, thus diabetics may suffer acute memory loss due to the fact that aspartic acid and phenylalanine are neurotoxic when taken without the other amino acids necessary for good balance.

There is plenty of information on the internet and we won't cover all the details, but wanted you to be aware of the dangers of Aspartame and hope that you will conduct your own research to find the real truth behind this product. Research presented by those outside the companies that profit from this.

What about Sucralose or Splenda?

With the dangers of Aspartame coming to light. It is produced by chlorinating sugar which alters the structure of the sugar molecules by replacing three hydroxyl groups with chlorine atoms.

More people have switched to the newer sweetener being billed as safe, but no long term studies have been done on humans. In other research, it showed potential problems with shrinking of the thymus gland (which regulates immunity), enlarged livers and kidneys, reduced growth rate, complications with pregnancy, including aborted pregnancies, and diarrhea.

Chlorinated molecules are the basis for many pesticides which accumulate in body fat. The body uses fat to store toxins, so it's possible that sucralose, like Aspartame, won't really help with weight loss.

Pharmacologist Mohamed B. Abou-Donia found frequent and prolonged use of DEET, the most often recommended, most effective and most common mosquito repellent ingredient, caused brain cell death and behavioral changes in rats.

The health threat posed by DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) to humans is still being studied, but Abou-Donia said his 30 years of research on pesticides' effects on the brain clearly indicate that people need to be cautious about their use of DEET.

He added that children are especially vulnerable to subtle brain changes caused by chemicals in the environment. That's because their skin more readily absorbs such chemicals, which have more of an impact on a child's developing nervous system.

Parents should not use mosquito repellents that contain more than 10 percent DEET on children under age 6, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises. Many heavy-duty repellents have much higher concentrations.

Effective as an insecticide due to its terpine content, Germanium (Pelargonium graveloens) is used to repel ticks, fleas and mosquitoes from humans and animals alike. A few drops of this natural essential plant oil can be added to a lotion, sunscreen, or put in a spritzer bottle with water to spray on clothes and skin for protection. Much safer and so naturally simple. Read more about Geranium here: http://www.theherbsplace.com/Geranium_100_Pure_Essential_Oil_p_26.html Geranium

Herbs And Health Information For Children

Visit our children's area of the site for health info, news, supplements, herbal tips and remedies, and more. Free individual health consultations available with Dianne Frase, our family natural health consultant. Begin here: "/index.php?controller=cms&id_cms=13" Herbs and Health Info for Children

***************** Featured Product *****************

Stevia: The Herbal Sweetener

Stevia is a plant native to Paraguay with green leaves that are 30 times sweeter than sugar. It's used as a sweetener in many countries, including Japan, China, Korea, Israel, Paraguay and Brazil. It contains a glycoside called stevioside, which is 150-200 times sweeter than sugar.

Stevia has some healthy benefits since it appears to have a blood sugar balancing effect. It's widely used in Paraguay as a remedy for diabetes, but also seems to help hypoglycemia.

Like Licorice Root, it may help to stimulate sugar to be released from storage in the liver. It has a slight blood pressure lowering effect in cases of high blood pressure.

Stevia is antibacterial, inhibiting the growth of bacteria that causes gum disease and tooth decay. Less known is it's ability to heal skin problems such as acne, seborrhea, dermatitis, eczema, wounds, burns and lip sores.

No study has ever showed any harm from the whole leaf, or from the stevioside extract. There are more than 100 studies to back up the safety of this product.

The FDA doesn't allow stevia to be considered a food additive. It has been approved as a food supplement. Many feel that the FDA is doing this to protect the artificial sweetener industry.

Nature's Sunshine makes stevia available in packets that can easily be carried in purse or pocket. Read more about stevia and/or purchase here: http://www.theherbsplace.com/Stevia_Powder_Extract_1.26_oz._p_717.html Stevia

*************** Featured Topic ***************

RESEARCH ON PAW PAW EXTRACT

Dr. Jerry McLaughlin is the world's leading authority on Paw Paw after spending many years at Purdue University doing research on the plant.

Dr. McLaughlin discovered that Paw Paw contains a group of plant chemicals called annonaceous acetogenins. There are overf 50 of these long chain fatty acids in Paw Paw. Research has established that these acetogenins do many things such as:

* Slow and stop the production of cell energy in cells by blocking the production of ATP.

In large bowl, combine all ingredients; mix gently but thoroughly. Cover and chill for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to blend.. (Can be prepared up to 2 days ahead. Bring to room temperature before serving.) Just before serving, fluff salad with fork.

Nature's Sunshine allows Members to order direct from their warehouse at 35-40% OFF retail. There is No Sign-Up Fee if you place a $40 or more order. You get free shipping on your first order too. No monthly minimums or automatic shipments. Read more: "/index.php?controller=cms&id_cms=60" Membership Info

******************************** Study Natural Health Online - Free!

Learn how the body works. Knowledge is essential in making wise health decisions. Take the entire course or choose a system you want to know more about (i.e. digestive, glandular, intestinal, etc.). Begin here: "/index.php?controller=cms&id_cms=30" Classes

*****************************************************

If you enjoyed what you read today, please forward this ezine to your friends!

************************************ Disclaimer: The stories, suggestions, and information in this newsletter are not meant to diagnose or prescribe for you. If you have a medical problem, you may want the advice and recommendations of a medical doctor. All stories, recipes, information, etc. that is passed along in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not necessarily endorsed by "The Herbs Place." This is a personal publication by Randal Watkins. The ideas and information expressed in it have not been approved or authorized by anyone either explicitly or impliedly. In no event shall Randal Watkins or "The Herbs Place" be liable for any damages whatsoever resulting from any action arising in connection with the use of this information or its publication, including any action for infringement of copyright or defamation.